UK Government Boosts University-Business Collaboration with £9.7M Funding

The UK government has announced a significant investment of £9.7 million to enhance collaboration between universities and businesses, aimed at driving innovation and economic growth. This funding, provided by Research England, will support the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) as it implements its ambitious 2025 to 2029 forward plan.

Strengthening Innovation and Growth

This investment reflects a commitment to fortifying the ties within the research and innovation ecosystem. By fostering collaboration, the government seeks to ensure that knowledge and innovation flow efficiently between universities, businesses, and policymakers. Such synergy is essential for unlocking the potential of research to enhance productivity and societal advancement.

The announcement coincided with the release of NCUB’s state of the relationship report 2024, which highlights the progress made in university-business partnerships, while also identifying areas where further investment and collaboration are necessary. The report underscores the importance of sustained effort in maintaining these partnerships.

Key Initiatives and Future Plans

NCUB has played a pivotal role in promoting these collaborations, acting as a trusted mediator among university leaders, industry executives, and policy makers. The organization has been instrumental in providing policy advice and facilitating digital connections through its platform, konfer, which currently links over 6,000 businesses and universities with nearly 2,000 live collaboration opportunities.

Over the past few years, NCUB has successfully mobilized business voices to secure investment in research and innovation, showcased more than 350 case studies of effective partnerships, and inspired new collaborations that underscore the critical contributions of universities as engines of innovation and growth.

Looking ahead, NCUB’s forward plan for 2025 to 2029 aims to position the UK as a more competitive landscape for business investment. The strategy focuses on understanding business needs, strengthening university connections, and fostering a coordinated response to rapidly changing global conditions.

Leadership Perspectives on Collaboration

Professor Dame Jessica Corner, Executive Chair of Research England, emphasized the significance of this funding: “This funding recognises the vital role of the National Centre for Universities and Business in strengthening the links between research and industry. By supporting collaboration at a national level, we can help turn research into practical innovation that boosts economic growth and addresses the UK’s long-term challenges underpinned by our great university system.”

Sam Laidlaw, Chair of NCUB, expressed gratitude for Research England’s ongoing support: “We deeply appreciate Research England’s continued investment in NCUB, highlighting the indispensable role of university-business collaboration as a driving force within the UK’s research and innovation system. This funding empowers us to actively partner with policymakers in shaping an environment that fosters meaningful collaboration.”

With this renewed investment, NCUB aims to enhance best practices across both universities and businesses, contributing to a more resilient and dynamic research and innovation ecosystem that delivers tangible benefits for communities throughout the nation.